Gov't holds interagency meeting to brace for heavy rains

Kim Kwang-yong, chief of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters, presides over an emergency meeting to check measures to brace for heavy rains at the Government Complex Sejong, Sunday. Yonhap

The interior ministry said Sunday it has held an emergency meeting with related government agencies to discuss ways to brace for downpours as heavy rains are expected to fall in southern regions and along the east coast.

Heavy rains of a maximum of more than 100-150 millimeters are expected until Monday in the country's southern areas and along the east coast of Gangwon and North Gyeongsang Province, according to the country's weather agency.

At the meeting, the government decided to review emergency measures in wildfire-hit areas where the risk of landslides remains high and to evacuate nearby residents if needed.

"The government will closely monitoring the weather conditions and do its best to manage the situation so as to swiftly take necessary steps," said Kim Kwang-yong, chief of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters.